Another Renewal of De-Cluttering Energy

I admit I’ve let my de-cluttering goals slide over the past several months. I’ve been pro-occupied with animal companions’ health concerns and an increase in work-related travel. However, a simple act of re-arranging furniture, coupled with an upcoming annual Bulky Item pick-up day has kicked my de-cluttering efforts back in gear.

A friend helped me see a different vision for how my living room could look and feel. By simply recombining my entertainment center into its whole unit at the front of the room, the following cascade of events took place:

• Cleared out books from the entertainment shelves so I could…

• …Put stereo speakers back into the entertainment center which meant I could

• …Eliminate the speaker wires draped around the perimeter of the room.

• Got rid of the 15-year old ratty couch, which opened up the space in the room.

• Replaced the dusty wooden shutters with fabric Roman window coverings. That changed the amount and quality of the light in the room. The light-colored fabric also reflects the afternoon sunshine and the room doesn’t get so hot late in the day.

I’m almost embarrassed to admit to this---I also finally called in an electrician to fix the entrance way light fixture. It’s been inoperable since 1998 and for 8 years I have struggled to make my way to one of the room lamps when I entered the house in the dark; now I can flip the switch and have light as I walk into the house!

A thorough cleaning of newly exposed baseboards and corners completed the transformation of the room. It feels light and airy and roomy and I find it’s a lot more enjoyable to spend time in there.

I found the energy and enthusiasm from that de-cluttering effort to be contagious. I was motivated to call the house painter to get the sun-parched and peeling windowsills repainted. I had the tree trimmers come in and perform a long overdue tree maintenance that has totally opened up the backyard. The sunshine pours in, and I am looking forward to having my roses and bulbs and vegetables flourish once again.

These home front changes were well-timed with respect to our annual Bulky Item pick-up day. I’ve gone through the backyard and outdoor storage shed with an eye to de-cluttering and got rid of lots of stuff I just didn’t use or need anymore. As a result, the backyard is more pleasant to spend time in as well.

It feels good to have the de-cluttering momentum doing again. Still more to do---indeed, de-cluttering is an ongoing, continuous process. Right now, I’m focusing on fixing and changing things around my house that cause hassle/struggles in my daily life. Onward!

--Dot Snow